JupiterMedia CEO Alan Meckler reports that the upcoming Toronto SES show is "significantly profitable" out of the gate, unusual for a first-time show. Canada, Sweden, Japan... Mr. Meckler's becoming more popular than Celine Dion (and better-dressed, too).

I like it, too. I just finished up an interview for Berlin Public Radio. You might call me the David Hasselhoff of Search!

In not-so-good news, Spanish-owned Terra Networks is trying to unload Lycos, a company it never should have bought in the first place. Maybe Barry Diller will get his chance after all, at a deep discount. With the right buyer at the right time, a Lycos-linked web conglomerate could add some spice to an already rejuvenated portal war.

John Battelle has recently commented on this issue as well. With an impending Lycos fire sale, suddenly Ask Jeeves doesn't look like the only major potential acquisition target in the search/portal sector.